Friday 24th Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Luke 8:1-3

A Company of Friends and Family

Along the Sea of Galilee

I can’t begin to count the number of doctor appointments and medical tests, infusions, blood draws, NP consults, you name it, over the past 12 months.  In the beginning, it was our son-in-law Josh who generously provided transportation back and forth.  As I got more familiar with the area and traffic, I slowly took over the chauffeur duties.

 I used to think it was just me accompanying Ginger on all these jam-packed almost daily schedules. To casual observers, that would certainly be the case.  But I was sooo wrong!  With much prayerful reflection and thought, we were never alone.  Our family, our friends (so very many) were right there with us along the way, supporting us with their thoughts and prayers.  And even though there were times that we felt lost and abandoned, Jesus was right there with us.

We see it in today’s Gospel.  Jesus is making His way to Jerusalem for the last time.  And He is not alone!  His friends and family, the Twelve are all making that same journey with Him!  It’s a good reminder to all of us – in the worst of times, in the lowest of moments, He was right there beside us!

It reminds me of that “Footprints in the Sand” story. 

So I said to the Lord,
‘You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?’

The Lord replied,
‘The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.’

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